Washing system for solar panels

ABSTRACT

A method and system for cleaning an array of solar panels. The system can include an applicator apparatus configured with a plurality of cleaning devices, and an automatic position system (APS) configured with the applicator apparatus. The APS can include a first and second sensor coupled to the applicator apparatus. A controller coupled to the first and second sensor devices can be configured to adjust a position of the applicator apparatus to maintain the plurality of cleaning devices in a direction facing a solar panel to facilitate a removal of an undesired material from the solar panel, while the applicator apparatus is moved from a first position to a second position. A mobile vehicle can be configured with the applicator apparatus to move along a row of the array of solar panels to perform the method for cleaning.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present application relates generally to systems for solar panels.More specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide a systemand method for cleaning ground mounted solar panels. In a specificembodiment, the system and method can be applied to a tracking systemaccording to the present invention and is fully adjustable at each ofthe pillars, among other aspects. There are other embodiments as well.

As the population of the world increases, industrial expansion has ledto an equally large consumption of energy. Energy often comes fromfossil fuels, including coal and oil, hydroelectric plants, nuclearsources, and others. As an example, the International Energy Agencyprojects further increases in oil consumption, with developing nationssuch as China and India accounting for most of the increase. Almostevery element of our daily lives depends, in part, on oil, which isbecoming increasingly scarce. As time further progresses, an era of“cheap” and plentiful oil is coming to an end. Accordingly, other andalternative sources of energy have been developed.

Concurrent with oil, we have also relied upon other very useful sourcesof energy such as hydroelectric, nuclear, and the like to provide ourelectricity needs. As an example, most of our conventional electricityrequirements for home and business use come from turbines run on coal orother forms of fossil fuel, nuclear power generation plants, andhydroelectric plants, as well as other forms of renewable energy. Oftentimes, home and business use of electrical power has been stable andwidespread.

Most importantly, much if not all of the useful energy found on theEarth comes from our sun. Generally, all common plant life on the Earthachieves life using photosynthesis processes from sunlight. Fossil fuelssuch as oil were also developed from biological materials derived fromenergy associated with the sun. For human beings including “sunworshipers,” sunlight has been essential. For life on the planet Earth,the sun has been our most important energy source and fuel for modernday solar energy.

Solar energy possesses many characteristics that are very desirable!Solar energy is renewable, clean, abundant, and often widespread.Certain technologies have been developed to capture solar energy,concentrate it, store it, and convert it into other useful forms ofenergy.

Solar panels have been developed to convert sunlight into energy. As anexample, solar thermal panels often convert electromagnetic radiationfrom the sun into thermal energy for heating homes, running certainindustrial processes, or driving high-grade turbines to generateelectricity. As another example, solar photovoltaic panels convertsunlight directly into electricity for a variety of applications. Solarpanels are generally composed of an array of solar cells, which areinterconnected to each other. The cells are often arranged in seriesand/or parallel groups of cells in series. Accordingly, solar panelshave great potential to benefit our nation, security, and human users.They can even diversify our energy requirements and reduce the world'sdependence on oil and other potentially detrimental sources of energy.

Although solar panels have been used successfully for certainapplications, there are still limitations. Often, solar panels areunable to convert energy at their full potential due to the fact thatthe sun is often at an angle that is not optimum for the solar cells toreceive solar energy. Additionally, solar panels become soiled anddirty, and requite cleaning, which is often difficult and cumbersome.These and other limitations are described throughout the presentspecification, and may be described in more detail below.

From the above, it is seen that techniques for improving solar systemsare highly desirable.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present application relates generally to systems for solar panels.More specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide a systemand method for cleaning ground mounted solar panels. In a specificembodiment, the system and method can be applied to a tracking systemaccording to the present invention is fully adjustable in at each of thepillars, among other aspects. There are other embodiments as well.

In an example, the present invention provides a method and system forcleaning an array of solar panels. The system can include an applicatorapparatus configured with a plurality of cleaning devices, and anautomatic position system (APS) configured with the applicatorapparatus. The APS can include a first and second sensor coupled to theapplicator apparatus. A controller coupled to the first and secondsensor devices can be configured to adjust a position of the applicatorapparatus to maintain the plurality of cleaning devices in a direct onfacing a solar panel to facilitate a removal of an undesired materialfrom the solar panel, while the applicator apparatus is moved from afirst position to a second position. A mobile vehicle can be configuredwith the applicator apparatus to move along a row of the array of solarpanels to perform the method for cleaning.

In an example, the present invention provides a method for moving avehicle through an array of solar panels. This method can includeautomatically navigating the vehicle between a pair of rows of solarpanels in a field by interpolating distance information by use of aproximity sensor coupled to the vehicle and spatially configured todetect a solar panel. A GPS sensor can be configured with the proximitysensor to fully automate the vehicle for cleaning in an entirelyunattended mode.

Many benefits are recognized through various embodiments of the presentinvention. Such benefits include au effective and efficient system forcleaning solar panels that have become soiled and dirty. Maintainingcleanliness of solar panels in an array can improve performance andlongevity of these solar panel systems. Using an automated system withproximity devices and an APS provides convenience and ease of cleaningwith minimal risk of damage to the solar panel array. Various additionalobjects, features and advantages of the present invention can be morefully appreciated with reference to the detailed description andaccompanying drawings that follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to more fully understand the present invention, reference ismade to the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings arenot to be considered limitations in the scope of the invention, thepresently described embodiments and the presently understood best modeof the invention are described with additional detail through use of theaccompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a simplified illustration of a perspective view of a vehiclesystem for cleaning ground mounted solar panels in an example of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 is a simplified illustration of a perspective view of anapplicator apparatus according to an example of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a simplified illustration of a perspective view of anapplicator apparatus according to an example of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a simplified illustration of a portion of an applicatorapparatus as shown previously in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a simplified illustration of a portion of an applicatorapparatus as shown previously in FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a simplified illustration of a perspective view of anapplicator apparatus overlying a solar panel according to an example ofthe present invention.

FIG. 7 is a simplified illustration of a perspective view of anapplicator apparatus overlying a solar panel according to an example ofthe present invention.

FIG. 8 is a simplified illustration of a side view of an applicatorapparatus overlying a solar panel according to an example of the presentinvention.

FIG. 9 is a simplified illustration of a side view of an applicatorapparatus overlying a solar panel according to an example of the presentinvention.

FIG. 10 is a simplified illustration of a front view of a vehicle systemfor cleaning ground mounted solar panels in an example of the presentinvention.

FIG. 11 is a simplified illustration of a perspective view of a vehiclesystem for cleaning ground mounted solar panels in an example of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present application relates generally to systems for solar panels.More specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide a systemand method for cleaning ground mounted solar panels. In a specificembodiment, the system and method cans be applied to a tracking systemaccording to the present invention is fully adjustable in at each of thepillars, among other aspects. There are other embodiments as well.

The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skillin the art to make and use the invention and to incorporate it in thecontext of particular applications. Various modifications, as well as avariety of uses in different applications will be readily apparent tothose skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein maybe applied to a wide range of embodiments. Thus, the present inventionis not intended to be limited to the embodiments presented, but is to beaccorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novelfeatures disclosed herein.

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are setforth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the presentinvention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art thatthe present invention may be practiced without necessarily being limitedto these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures anddevices are shown in block diagram form, rather than in detail, in orderto avoid obscuring the present invention.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which arefiled concurrently with this specification and which are open to publicinspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papersand documents are incorporated herein by reference. All the featuresdisclosed in this specification, (including any accompanying claims,abstract, and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features servingthe same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly statedotherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each featuredisclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent orsimilar features.

Furthermore, any element in a claim that does not explicitly state“means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing aspecific function, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step”clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. Section 112, Paragraph 6. Inparticular, the use of “step of” or “act of” in the Claims herein is notintended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, Paragraph 6.

Please note, if used, the labels left, right, front, back, top, bottom,forward, reverse, clockwise and counter clockwise have been used forconvenience purposes only and are not intended to imply any particularfixed direction. Instead, they are used to reflect relative locationsand/or directions between various portions of an object.

As used herein, the terms “first” “second” “third” and “nth” shall beinterpreted under ordinary meaning. Such terms, alone or together, donot necessarily imply order, unless understood that way by one ofordinary skill in the art. Additionally, the terms “top” and “bottom”may not have a meaning in reference to a direction of gravity, whileshould be interpreted under ordinary meaning. These terms shall notunduly limit the scope of the claims herein.

Conventional methods for cleaning these systems often employ hoses fromwater tracks that are manually dragged through the fields together withhand washing of panels, or, water trucks that spray one side of thepanels at relatively low speeds and large volumes of water from manuallyoperated spraying wands. Unfortunately, conventional methods are ofteninefficient, costly, and difficult to use. That is, ground mounted solarpower systems suffered reduced energy production attributable tosoiling, especially in desert environments with little rain, which isoften the case. In some cases power production losses from soiling is15%, 20%, or greater. These and other limitations have been overcomeusing the present techniques for cleaning solar panels.

In a preferred example, the present techniques significantly reducewater requirements and labor requirements and speeds the cleaningprocess for solar power systems.

FIG. 1 is a simplified illustration of a perspective view of a vehiclesystem 100 for cleaning ground mounted solar panels in an example of thepresent invention. This figure shows a mobile vehicle 110 with anapplicator apparatus 120 and a storage container 130 moving along anarray of solar panels 140. In an example, the storage container caninclude cleaning fluid, which is applied to the array of solar pads 140via the applicator apparatus 120 as the vehicle 110 moves alongside thearray.

FIG. 2 is a simplified illustration of a perspective view of anapplicator apparatus according to an example of the present invention.This figure shows the applicator apparatus 200 including a plurality ofcleaning devices 210 configured spatially along the applicatorapparatus. The applicator apparatus 200 can also include one or morefirst sensor devices 221 and one or more second sensor devices 222 thatare coupled thereon.

A controller can be coupled to the first and second sensor devices 221,222. This controller can be configured to adjust a position of theapplicator apparatus to maintain the plurality of cleaning devices 210in a direction facing a solar panel to facilitate a removal of anundesired material from the solar panel. This process can occur whilethe applicator apparatus is moved from a first position to a secondposition, such as when the vehicle system moves along a row of solarpanels. The first and second sensor devices can also be configured toturn on or turn off fluid from each of the plurality of cleaning deviceswhen the mobile vehicle moves past an end of the array of solar panelsto facilitate conservation of fluid.

In an example, the applicator apparatus also includes a wheel 230configured to roll overlying a surface region of the array of solarpanels such that a distance between each of the cleaning devices and thesurface region is maintained using a desirable distance. In anotherexample, one or more wheels 230 can be configured to maintain a uniformdistance of the cleaning devices. The system can also include a gutterdevice coupled to the mobile vehicle and configured along an edge regionof a solar panel in the array to catch fluid draining from the solarpanel. This device can be further configured with a filtration system torecycle the collected fluid for reuse.

In an example, the system for cleaning solar panel arrays includes anautomatic position system (APS) configured with the applicatorapparatus. This APS can include the first and second sensor device,along with the controller configured to control these sensors. The APScan be configured to maintain a spatial distance of the plurality ofcleaning devices between the mobile vehicle and the array of solarpanels while the vehicle is in motion alongside the array. The APS canalso be configured to maintain an angle of the applicator apparatus toaccommodate for inaccuracies in movement of the mobile vehicle anderrors introduced by an uneven terrain during translational movement ofthe vehicle. The system can also include a mechanical stop deviceconfigured with the applicator apparatus to prevent damage to any of thesolar panels during a failure event of the APS or other type of failurecondition. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize othervariations, modifications, and alternatives.

FIG. 3 is a simplified illustration of a perspective view of anapplicator apparatus according to an example of the present invention.This figure shows a similar applicator apparatus 300 as shown in FIG. 2.Here, two regions are marked: detail A and detail B. Detail A marks aregion of a first sensor device or a second sensor and detail B marks aregion with one of the plurality of cleaning devices.

FIG. 4 is a simplified illustration of a portion of an applicatorapparatus as shown previously in FIG. 3. This figure shows detail A,which is a region 400 showing one of a first sensor device or a secondsensor device. As shown, this sensor 410 is coupled at the end of a barstructure. This sensor 410 can be a proximity sensor configured toposition the plurality of cleaning devices. The sensor 410 can also bean ultrasonic sensor configured for operation at a frequency of 1 Hz ormore. Other sensors may be used as well.

FIG. 5 is a simplified illustration of a portion of an applicatorapparatus as shown previously in FIG. 3. The figure shows detail B,which is a region 500 showing one of the plurality of cleaning devices.As shown, each of the cleaning devices 510 can include a nozzle for aspray of cleaning fluid. The cleaning fluid can be selected from water,a surfactant, a cleaning solution with or without detergent, or othertypes of fluids and the like.

In an example, each of the plurality of cleaning devices includes abrush device or scrubbing device configured to physically remove anundesired material from a surface of the solar panel. This brush devicecan be coupled to a bar structure to facilitate the tracking of thebrush device. In an example, the brush device can be cylindrical andconfigured to rotate about an axis to remove an undesired material fromta surface of the solar panel array. This brush device can be configuredperpendicular to a direction of translational movement (i.e.,perpendicular to the movement of the vehicle system or to the plane ofthe solar panel).

In another example, the brush device can include a length configuredperpendicular to a direction of translational movement and can bespatially disposed to allow a cleaning fluid to remove the undesiredmaterial from the cylindrical brush device and/or a surface of the arrayof solar panels. The plurality of brush devices can include a pluralityof air nozzles configured with compressed air to remove the undesiredmaterial from the brush device. These air nozzles can be configured atoptimal angles to blow compressed air in order to remove the debris thatis being cleaned by the brush devices. Those of ordinary skill in theart will recognize other variations, modifications, and alternatives.

Many benefits are recognized through various embodiments of the presentinvention. Such benefits include an effective and efficient system forcleaning solar panels that have become soiled and dirty. Maintainingcleanliness of solar panels in an array can improve performance andlongevity of these solar panel systems. Using an automated system withproximity devices and an APS provides convenience and ease of cleaningwith minimal risk of damage to the solar panel array.

FIG. 6 is a simplified illustration of a perspective view of anapplicator apparatus overlying a solar panel according to an example ofthe present invention. This configuration 600 shows a similar applicatorapparatus 610, as shown previously, overlying a solar panel 690. Here,first and second sensor devices 621,622 and a wheel structure 630 areshown. This view shows an example of how the applicator apparatus ispositioned as the mobile vehicle of the cleaning system is movingalongside the solar panel array.

FIG. 7 is a simplified illustration of a top view of an applicatorapparatus overlying a solar panel according to an example of the presentinvention. This configuration 700 shows the applicator apparatus 610, asshown in FIG. 6, overlying the solar panel 690. Here, the first andsecond sensor devices 621,622 and the wheel structure 530 are shown.

FIG. 8 is a simplified illustration of a side view of an applicatorapparatus overlying a solar panel according to an example of the presentinvention. This configuration 800 shows the applicator apparatus 610, asshown in FIG. 6, overlying the solar panel 690. Here, the sensor devices621 and the plurality of cleaning devices 630 are shown, and the wheelstructure 630 is shown maintaining a spatial distance of the applicatorapparatus.

FIG. 9 is a simplified illustration of a side view of an applicatorapparatus overlying a solar panel according to an example of the presentinvention. This configuration 900 shows the applicator apparatus 610, asshown in FIG. 6, overlying the solar panel 690 from another side viewcompared to FIG. 8. Here, the first and second sensor devices 621,622are shown, and the wheel structure 630 is shown maintaining a spatialdistance of the applicator apparatus and the plurality of cleaningdevices therein.

In an example, the present invention provides a method for moving avehicle through an array of solar panels. This method can includeautomatically navigating the vehicle between a pair of rows of solarpanels in a field by interpolating distance information by use of aproximity sensor coupled to the vehicle and spatially configured todetect a solar panel. A GPS sensor can be configured with the proximitysensor to fully automate the vehicle for cleaning in an entirelyunattended mode.

In an example, the vehicle includes an applicator apparatus with aplurality of cleaning devices configured spatially along the applicatorapparatus. The vehicle can also include an automatic position system(APS) configured with the applicator apparatus. This APS can include afirst sensor device, a second sensor device, and a controller coupled tothe first and the second sensor devices. The method can includeadjusting, by the controller, a position of the applicator apparatus tomaintain the plurality of cleaning devices in a direction facing a solarpanel to facilitate a removal of an undesired material from the solarpanel, while the applicator apparatus is moved from a first position toa second position.

In an example, the method further includes positioning, by the first andsecond sensor devices, the plurality of cleaning devices to perform aspraying process of cleaning fluid. In this case, each of the firstsensor device and the second sensor device is a proximity sensor, eachof the cleaning devices comprising a nozzle for the spraying of thecleaning fluid, the cleaning fluid being selected from at least one ofthe following: water, a surfactant, a cleaning solution with or withoutdetergent, or a fluid.

In an example, each of the plurality of cleaning devices includes abrush device or plurality of brush devices. The brush devices can becoupled to a bar structure to facilitate tracking of the brush device.The method can include physically removing, by the brash devices, anundesired material from a surface of the solar panel array. Furthermore,the method can include maintaining a spatial distance, by the APS, ofthe plurality of cleaning devices between the mobile vehicle and thearray of solar panels, and maintaining an angle, by the APS, of theapplicator apparatus to accommodate for inaccuracies in movement of themobile vehicle and errors introduced by an uneven terrain duringtranslational movement of the mobile vehicle. Those of ordinary skill inthe art will recognize other variations, modifications, andalternatives.

FIG. 10 is a simplified illustration of a front view of a vehicle systemfor cleaning ground mounted solar panels in an example of the presentinvention. This figure shows the mobile vehicle 110 with the applicatorapparatus 120 and the storage container 130 moving alongside thegrounded solar panel 140. In this view, the angle of the applicatorapparatus configured to the plane of the solar panel can be seen muchmore clearly.

FIG. 11 is a simplified illustration of a perspective view of a vehiclesystem for cleaning ground mounted solar panels in an example of thepresent invention. This figure shows the mobile vehicle 110 with theapplicator apparatus 120 and the storage container 130 moving alongsidethe grounded solar panel 140. In this view, the translational movementof the vehicle system across the row of solar panels in the array can beseen much more clearly.

In another example, vehicle system can include another applicatorapparatus for cleaning another array of solar panels that are spatiallydisposed in parallel with the array of solar panels. In this case, thereis a first applicator apparatus and a second applicator apparatus. Whilethe mobile vehicle moves between the array of solar panels, the firstapplicator apparatus can be configured to clean a first array or firstrow of solar panels, and the second applicator apparatus can beconfigured to clean a second array or second row of solar panels.

The first row of solar panels can face the vehicle while the second rowof solar panels faces away from the vehicle. In this case, the secondapplicator apparatus is configured to maintain a desired position usingan extension arm that reaches over an upper edge of a solar panel in thesecond row or second array of solar panels.

It is understood that the examples and embodiments described herein arefor illustrative purposes only and that various modifications or changesin light thereof will be suggested to persons skilled in the art and areto be included within the spirit and purview of this application andscope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cleaning device comprising: an applicatorincluding a plurality of nozzles configured to spay a cleaning fluid; aplurality of bars extending beyond the applicator; sensors, disposed atdistal ends of the plurality of bars; and a controller coupled to thesensors and configured to adjust a position of the applicator tomaintain an orientation of the plurality of nozzles facing a solar panelto facilitate removal of undesired material by the cleaning fluid. 2.The device of claim 1, wherein the sensors are ultrasonic sensors. 3.The device of claim 1, further comprising a wheel configured to rollover a surface of a solar panel and maintain a distance of theapplicator from the solar panel.
 4. The device of claim 1, furthercomprising a brush configured to physically remove undesired materialfrom a surface of the solar panel.
 5. The device of claim 4, wherein thebrush is coupled to a bar structure to facilitate tracking of the brush.6. The device of claim 4 further comprising a plurality of air nozzlesconfigured with compressed air to remove the undesired material from thebrush.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured tomaintain an angle of the applicator to a solar panel.
 8. The device ofclaim 1, wherein each sensor is a proximity sensor configured toposition the plurality of nozzles.
 9. The device of claim 1, furthercomprising a vehicle including an extension arm operably connected tothe applicator and configured for movement along a solar tracker. 10.The device of claim 9, wherein an axis of the applicator is configuredperpendicular to a direction of movement of the vehicle along the solartracker.
 11. The device of claim 9, further comprising a brushconfigured to physically remove undesired material from a surface of thesolar panel wherein the brush has a length configured perpendicular to adirection of movement of the vehicle along the solar tracker.
 12. Thedevice of claim 9, further comprising a gutter device coupled to thevehicle and configured to capture the cleaning fluid after having beensprayed by the plurality of nozzles to clean the solar panel.
 13. Thedevice of claim 10, further comprising a storage container supported bythe vehicle and configured to store the cleaning fluid and supply thecleaning fluid to the plurality of nozzles.